. >>> now back to southern washington, john brennan, president obama's choice to lead the cia in the second term, was grilled by both democrats and republicans at a confirmation hearing today, one that got off to a raucous start, with protesters and questions about the agency's controversial drone program and interrogation program. nbc's andrea mitchell covering in our washington newsroom. andrea, it's not every day you hear the order to have the hearing room cleared. >> reporter: not indeed. in fact, the senate historians said they can't recall this happening going back to the '60s and '70s. today a chastened john brennan programs promised to be open with congress if he is confirmed to lead the cia. even as the white house still limited access to key documents in a hearing that did not get off to a smooth smart. >> members of the committee, i'm honored to appear before you today. [ heckling ] [ banging gavel ] >> please remove this woman. we will recess. >> reporter: when john brennan did get to testify, he said he opposed the harsh interrogations during the bush administration when